What Is Mathematics?
Richard Courant
17 people recommended it in 5 threads, 2009–2021.
What people on Hacker News said
That's the book that really got me into math (ended up with a PhD in it), and it covers a very wide range of topics from number theory to geometry and topology (and has the best exposition of Calculus I've ever seen).
I've read it in high school and was truly fascinated with which elegance and simplicity the book approached some of the most complex math problems. Of course it just scratched the surface but partially because of this book I chose the Math Department.
You don't have to read it cover to cover, but this is the book that will be very helpful in shaping the right perspective. As a side note, a friend of mine gave it to me in high school. It was probably the book that influenced me the most mathematically.
For example, the first dozen pages on Calculus have imparted a better understanding of the subject than all the indecipherable (if only due to sheer volume) tomes of Stewart. It was an invaluable boost.
The following range all over the place in prerequisites, from things you could probably do with just middle school algebra to things that probably need early college level.
When it comes to learning math, you can't take an elite's view. Not everyone is born Bourbaki dudes or Galois or people like them. Ordinary people like me don't just fall in love with maths.
Where it comes up
- Ask HN: Recommend a maths book for a teenager? 2020 · 5 recommendations
- Classic Mathematics Books for Lifelong Learners 2019 · 5 recommendations
- The Textbook That Unleashed Ramanujan's Genius 2021 · 3 recommendations
- The Best Textbooks on Every Subject 2018 · 3 recommendations
- Ask HN: Best Mathematics book for complete noobie? 2009 · 1 recommendation